ANSWERS OF MR. REY MACLANG, AVP FOR SM MARKETING, REGARDING THE CONTROVERSIAL SM ADVANTAGE CARD-PHILAM INSURANCE PROGRAM:

 

 

1.      When did the insurance promo for SM Advantage Card holders begin?

 

The SM Advantage Personal Accident Insurance Program is NOT a promotion.  It is an embedded value-added feature of SM Advantage which is granted to members once they reach a specific points balance in their card. The insurance benefit has been an integral part of SM Advantage since July 2006.  This is over and above all the other benefits, perks, discounts and savings that SM Advantage management continuously develops for its members.

 

Recognizing the importance of insurance for every individual, SM Advantage, in partnership with  Philam Insurance, created one of the most convenient and affordable programs in the market to ensure that its members can acquire basic financial protection against accidental death or permanent disability.  With this modest motivation in mind, we continue to proudly extend this privilege to our members by providing them the following advantages:

 

·         Extremely accessible and convenient insurance coverage simply by being an SM Advantage member. 

·         The opportunity to have an insurance coverage at a very low price, without any cash outlay.  If the member would try to acquire an individual Personal Accident Insurance outside this program, it would cost approximately P500.  With this specially-arranged program with Philam Insurance, our members have access to a substantial amount of insurance for only 20 points (equivalent to P20.00). 

 

 

2.      Were the customers informed beforehand that they will receive an accident insurance policy prior to the deduction of their 20 points in their rewards? How?

 

Yes, we, together with Philam Insurance have consistently informed our members about this privilege through flyers and full page advertisements in the most prominent daily broadsheets such as Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Loyalty Program.  This advertising campaign actually started two weeks before the launch of the insurance program in 2006.  Moreover, we continuously explore program enhancements and have lined up activities to raise the awareness of our members about this program, most recent of which are the SMS and e-mail blasts sent to members.

 

We have also informed our members through newspaper articles of actual claim cases where Philam Insurance paid out the insurance proceeds of more than P100,000 to the beneficiaries of insured SM Advantage members who were deducted a mere 20 points.  

 

This is a genuine, and not to mention expensive effort on our part and that of our partner, Philam Insurance, to efficiently disseminate information and to ensure that all legitimate and admissible claims under the insurance program are paid to the rightful beneficiaries at all times.

 

 

3.      Did the customers sign an agreement regarding this promotion prior to its implementation?

 

When members signed up for membership in the SM Advantage Loyalty program, they effectively agreed to its Terms and Conditions. 

 

Section V of the Terms and Conditions of the SM Advantage Program states that:

1.       The Terms and Conditions and Guidelines cannot be superseded or changed except by MCI. MCI shall use all reasonable endeavors to provide Members with accurate and timely information regarding the SM Advantage Program including any changes thereof; however, MCI and its Partners shall not be liable in any way for failure to do so.

2.       MCI is not liable for any Award or Privilege not being available or being withdrawn for any reason whatsoever by any SM Advantage Partner.

3.       MCI reserves the right at all times, without notice and in its sole discretion:

a.       To make any changes whatsoever to these Terms and Conditions including the rules and guidelines in the Member’s Manual.

b.       To withdraw, cancel, withhold, substitute, deny access to or use of in any way change any of the Awards and Privileges previously advertised or offered, to any Member, at any time, without prior notice, MCI will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by the Member resulting from such withdrawal, cancellation, variation or change.

c.       To terminate or materially alter the SM Advantage Program and/or revoke the membership of any Member and/or the right of any Member to use the Membership Card or to utilize any Award or Privilege.

 

 

4.      If you’re an SM Advantage card holder, are you automatically enrolled to the insurance program?

 

Enrollment into the insurance program is done every 15^th of the month for qualified members.  To qualify, a member must:

1. have a balance of at least 70 points at the time of enrollment.
2. be between 18 to 70 years old.

           

Upon enrollment, 20 points are debited from the member’s points balance as one-time payment for his/her P100,000 accident insurance coverage for one year. 

 

 

5.      How much premium does SM pay for each qualified card holder’s insurance policy in PhilAm?

           

We cannot divulge the amount of premium we pay for each insurance coverage.  However, because the program involves group insurance coverage and uses the opt-out mechanics for enrollment, we were able to arrange for the members a significant premium discount from Philam Insurance.  This is the benefit and the privilege that we give to our members – the provision of very inexpensive financial protection that would otherwise have cost more if our members were to buy it themselves.

 

 

6.      Did SM follow due process regarding the promotion? Did they get permission from the concerned agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and the Insurance Commission?

 

Since the insurance program is not a promotion, there is no need to secure approval from DTI.  Also, as per Philam, group accident insurance programs do not necessarily require IC’s permission to launch.  However, the terms and conditions of the policy issued by Philam were reviewed and approved by the Insurance Commission.  We have chosen to partner with Philam Insurance because they are a highly reputable insurance company.

 

 

7.      How does the card holder get her certification / insurance policy?

 

Since this is a group insurance coverage, Philam Insurance issued us a Group Master Policy to cover all qualified members of SM Advantage.  There is no need to issue individual certificates.  If an individual member wants proof of cover, an insurance certificate can be requested from Philam Insurance by calling the Philam hotline at 528-5202.

 

 

8.      How does she / he claim from the insurance company?

 

Just like with any other personal insurance, the insured member or his/her beneficiary can call the Philam hotline and he/she will be guided on how to claim.  Claim documents will of course be required.

 

 

9.      Who determines the beneficiaries of the policy in case of accidental death?

 

The law specifies that the benefits shall go in full to the first group of the following:

·         Spouse, if none

·         Child/ren, if none

·         Parents, if none

·         Siblings, if none

·         Administrator of your estate

                       

                                   

10.  Is this a group insurance or an individual insurance? Why weren’t the certificates issued / mailed to the card holders upon the deduction of their points?

 

Please refer to our answer to Question # 7

 

 

11.  Why were the card holders informed of the program a few months before the expiration of the policy (and not upon the start of the coverage?)

 

As explained in our answer to question # 2, we have continuously advertised the benefits of the insurance program through various prominent broadsheets, using full page colored ads.  In an effort to more effectively inform our members of the program, we distributed flyers and, more recently, we launched an SMS and e-mail information drive to all qualified members regardless of the inception date of their insurance coverage.  We know that newspaper advertisements, flyers, SMS and e-mail messages cannot ensure that all our members are made aware of the benefits of the insurance program; therefore we have extended and continue to extend great efforts and expense in informing our members about this important program.

 

 

12.  If the card holder met an accident before he was informed of the insurance coverage, and if the policy has expired before the card holder was informed that he was covered, can the card holder still claim from the company or reimburse his hospital / funeral expenses?

 

Whether the cardholder was informed of the insurance coverage before or after he/she met an accident is immaterial in determining the validity of a claim.   What is important is that the accident or the loss occurred during the time that the member’s insurance cover was active. This means that a claim can still be made even after the coverage has lapsed so long as the accident or the loss happened within the coverage period.

 

 

13.  If the customer doesn’t want the insurance coverage, is there an easier way to get out of the program, without going to the SM malls and signing an opt-out form?

 

Yes, there are many ways by which the member can opt out of the insurance program, all of which are indicated in our newspaper advertisements and can be explained by the Philam hotline:

 

• SMS – Register first by sending SMAC REG <16 digit SMAC#> <4 digit pin> to 2213.  Text: SMAC INSURANCE OUT to 2213 [P2.50/text]
• Philam Hotline – Call 528-5202
• Fax – Cut out Opt-out Form from the ad, fill out and fax to 833-8888.
• Customer Service Counters – Fill out Opt-out Form and submit to the Customer Service Counter of any SM Department Store branch.

 

In addition to these, members who do not wish to be included in the program can now opt out by sending an e-mail to help@sm-advantage.com, and soon via the SM Advantage website at www.sm-advantage.com.  No matter how the member chooses to opt out of the program, his/her 20 points will be credited back to his/her SM Advantage account within five days.

 

We accept opt-outs at any time before or during the member’s 12-month coverage period.

 

 

14.  How do they check if their points were returned?

 

Members can request for points balance inquiry at any cashier counter of SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, or any of the other SM stores where the SM Advantage Card is accepted for points earning.  Unfortunately, the cashier will only be able to give your total points balance, so you will need to know your balance before you opted out of the insurance program. 

For a more accurate accounting of your points, you may log on and register at www.sm-advantage.com.  There, you will be able to view your transaction log (points earning and redemption, including insurance reversal) as far back as January 2006.   

 

 

15.  Do SM Advantage Card points expire?

 

As stated in the Member’s Manual, all unredeemed points will be forfeited if the member fails to renew his/her card before its expiration date.   However, as a concession to members who were unable to renew their card before expiration, we normally give a 90-day grace period before we forfeit their points.  This means that if they renew their membership within three months after its expiration, their remaining points will still be transferred to their new card.

           

 

 

this is mojo's column in the manila bulletin (mojo:lations). did not expect that the article would be this big - half page!

mojo's such a sweetheart - and a prolific writer.

this is the article which came out this friday, april 18, 2008 on page d3 of the entertainment section:

Mojo:lations

Dj Mojo Jojo I don’t know what’s been going on lately, but I just felt the urge to write about something young… specifically KIDS! Maybe my biological clock is just ticking a bit faster, but I’ve been catching myself more and more observing and enjoying the company of these little folk. From playing with my friend’s children to talking to tweeners and below, kids are just plain fascinating. From their genuine curiosity to the unpretentious demeanor they show to the world, young people are the perfect respite from the doldrums of the adult world. Perhaps my jolly perspective would be different if I had a kid of my own (thank goodness I’m free from any parental responsibilities… for now), but in the meanwhile I am happy to settle for playing kuya or tito to these amazing and talented children which I have the pleasure of seeing day in and day out. Today’s Mojo:lations showcases one of the most talented kids I know and have the honor of working with – Miguel Sarne a.k.a "Little Man Guile!" It all started with a phone call I can remember the day almost two years ago when a "Miguel" called into our morning radio program on Magic 89.9. A mere 10-years old, but with the vocabulary of a 20-something, this listener Miguel wowed us DJ’s with his surprising command of wit and humor. Impressed with his frankness and, dare I say it… cuteness factor, Mo Twister immediately invited him to come to our station the next day to go on air with the Good Times crew. And when Miguel Sarne showed up the next day, the response of the listening public was unanimous. They just ate up the pint-sized motor-mouth and the rest is history; this talented 10-year-old was hired on the spot. Now a weekly co-host on Good Times, Miguel has taken the monicker "Little Man Guile" to a new level with his uncannily intelligent banter for a boy who has yet to be circumcised! He made the cut (sorry for the pun) in an industry which is difficult for aspiring broadcasters twice his age to penetrate, and is now the youngest DJ in Philippine history! "I feel like just like one of the DJs here on magic," says Guile. "I talk like them and I can make a conversation with adults and not talk like a kid." Keeping it in the family The only son of Leonardo Romano Sarne (a reporter for Radio ng Bayan and Malacañang Press Office) and Marou Pahati Sarne (announcer for DWIZ and newspaper writer), it would look like that working in media runs in the blood for Guile. However, the young DJ, who just turned 13, says he never thought this would happen even in his wildest dreams. "I didn’t want to be on radio before. I wanted to be a filmmaker or a musician. Becoming a DJ was a hidden blessing!" Aside from working in radio, Miguel also keeps himself busy with voicing commercials and dubbing television show. In his free time he likes to do animations on his laptop and make mini-movies. While doing all these things wasn’t enough, topping his schedule off with school might seem like a daunting task for any kid his age. But rest assured, Miguel says he doesn’t feel the stress. "Before, my teachers would get mad because they said that I wouldn’t have this radio job forever and that it would just fade away. They said I should just concentrate on my studies and not focus on work," admits Miguel. "But I made up my mind… the reason why you study is to get a good job. I’m lucky I can do both at the same time." From Radio to Reality TV Having made his mark on primetime radio, "Little Man Guile" is now poised to bring his brand of youthful intelligence to the small screen as host of the newest television reality show for aspiring teen journalists on RPN 9. "Newswatch Junior Edition" is the 30-minute weekly show, airing from May 16 to August 8, 2008, Fridays, from 8:00 am to 8:30 am, which will feature nine budding journalists who were selected from hundreds of applicants from different schools. "It’s a reality TV show for Kids by KIDS!" exclaims Guile. "Us kids do all the research and reporting. We even get our own PC’s for work." Guile will join the nine other talented teens as they learn the basics of broadcasting from the experts, including the President of RPN 9, former Senator and broadcasting legend Orly Mercado. Veteran journalists Dody Lacuna, Marigold Haber and Pal Marquez will impart their knowledge on news gathering, editing and post-production. They will also visit Malacañang, the Upper and Lower Houses of Congress and the AFP and PNP headquarters where they will learn field news reporting.

i have been alerted by one of my egroupmates in usapangbabae (yahoogroup) regarding the disappearance of some children in batangas. this is very alarming since the kids who would play in the vicinity of their homes, could be snatched in broad daylight, when the adults are at work or busy with the house chores.

i am quoting one news story related to this which was written by paul gutierrez:

"Gang selling human parts seizes 30 kids?
By: Paul M. Gutierrez

Many families in Batangas are in a state of anguish over the disappearance of their children.

Report said at least 30 children in the province have been missing and feared kidnapped by a syndicate selling human parts.

Chief Supt. Ricardo Ilagan Padilla , Region 4A police director , said he has ordered an in-depth investigation of the mysterious incidents that finally caught his attention after this reporter and a colleague from the media sought clarification from him.

Padilla said he has alerted the police directors of Batangas , Cavite , Laguna , Rizal and Quezon after receiving reports that at least two toddlers were reported missing and believed to have been abducted by a crime syndicate in Ibaan , Batangas.

There were already reports of the mysterious disappearance of scores of toddlers particularly in several towns of the eastern section of Batangas who may have been victimized by the syndicate.

The two who are still missing were identified as Patricia M. Patena , five years old , and Fatima V Bosita , 6 , who both left their houses in Poblacion , Ibaan last Feb. 19 but failed to return their houses since then.

The worried families of the missing kids sought police help in view of an alarming report that scores of toddlers are also missing in the neighboring towns of San Jose , Ibaan , Padre Garcia and Rosario , all located in the eastern part of Batangas.

They feared about a persistent report that a dreaded syndicate said to be involved in selling body parts particularly eyes and internal organs may have been involved in the disappearance of their kids.

Padilla said he is still verifying the parents' claim that their children had fallen victims of the same crime ring who allegedly make huge money out of selling human eyes and other body parts to potential buyers in Metro Manila and even in other countries like the U.S. , China , Japan and Taiwan.

It was gathered that the syndicate usually strikes in the early afternoon until early evening and police said they are verifying reports taht about thirty toddlers have already been victimized by the gang in the said Batangas towns."

the disappearance of patricia and fatima was confirmed by their own relatives. there's no word from the kidnappers which means they aren't interested in any ransom money. add to the fact that the families of these children are not well-off.

last december 2006, the family of ysabel sim asked for my help regarding the disappearance of this 3 year old kid.  the kid was playing with an older cousin outside of their gate (in manila) while the nanny was washing some of her clothes just a few feet away. in a snap, she was gone. there were reports that she was snatched by a man in a van. a year after, she was found in mindanao. apparently, a man who speaks visayan-muslim, sold her to a childless couple. but before she was sold to the couple, ysabel was used by a syndicate to beg in the streets of metro manila.

let's take extra care of our children. remind them to avoid talking to strangers and to ask help when men or women insist on taking them. lock the gates and doors and never allow them to play outside when adults are not with them.

to our police authorities and the department of social welfare and development, i suggest that you round-up the children who beg in the streets. parents or adults who would claim them should provide an i.d., barangay certificate that confirms the relationship of the adult and the child, birth certificate of the child, and probably a picture of the adult and child that was taken when the child was younger.

we live in uncertain and dangerous times. we have to protect the children.

 

the stars were out that night - perfect for the one-night-only concert of mcr,  or better known as my chemical romance, in the footbal field of the fort, taguig, philippines. i was initially worried about the rain but my son, miguel, begged me not to bring anything - no umbrellas, jackets, bags. he wanted me to enjoy the concert without having to worry about our stuff. reckless, but definitely a wise advice from a 12-year-old boy who's getting the hang of attending concerts.

well, this is our second one. the first was with the fallout boy concert in araneta. but the mcr concert's more exciting to me. first, we had really good seats - vip black left g-4 and 5 to be exact. thanks to mojo we had the chance to see mcr live!

mcr reminds me so much of "the cure" and morrissey of the smiths. now, do the math. yeah, that was my time!

gerard way's so sexy and full of energy. he was in all black - body-hugging shirt and tight pants, sans the makeup. they would throw half-filled water bottles (after drinking from them) and the vip-black-left audience were the luckiest!

his vocal power is really amazing. i was wondering how he could scream his lungs out and jump like crazy at the same time. in ballads, his voice's so sweet.

two hours before the concert, smart buddy was selling the tickets at P85 if u buy a sim pack (this is for general admission). and some minutes before the concert, scalpers were selling them at P100 only!

this is like a dream fulfilled. i have intentionally stayed away from concerts in the past not knowing how fun this could be. oh, i wish i did this when i was younger.

thank you, magic 89.9! thank you, guile because i am still ur favorite concert partner. soon, i might be replaced by a friend or a girlfriend coz bringing a mom in a concert for the youngsters would be uncool! 

P.S.

*maui taylor is one lucky gal! she was with the boys since they arrived in naia because she's part of the viva group which produced the show.

*an mcr fan emailed me regarding the mcr concert videos that i put up in youtube (check out: maroumedia). she told me that she lost her phone with her own videos of the concert. her mobile phone was stolen right there in the GA (general admission) area, while they were jumping and singing along with gerard. she was also complaining about the belts of her cousins which were confiscated by the guards of the venue (they were never returned).

Official List of Philippine Holidays for 2008
(based on Republic Act 9492 or “An Act Rationalizing the Celebration of National Holidays”)

New Year’s Day - January 1
EDSA Revolution Anniversary - February 25 (Monday)
Maundy Thursday / Good Friday - March 20 / 21 (Thursday / Friday)
Araw ng Kagitingan - April 7 (Monday), in lieu of April 9
Labor Day - May 5 (Monday), in lieu of May 1
Independence Day - June 16 (Monday), in lieu of June 12
Ninoy Aquino Day - August 25 (Monday), in lieu of August 21, concurrent with National Heroes’ Day
Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan) - October __ , to be confirmed by the Office of Muslim Affairs
All Saints’ Day - November 1 (Saturday)
Bonifacio Day - December 1 (Monday), in lieu of November 30
Christmas Day - December 25 (Thursday)
Rizal Day - December 29 (Monday), in lieu of December 30
Last Day of the Year (Special Holiday) - December 31

i promised myself that i won't cry. but i nearly choked while holding back my tears as i said adieu to the program which i took care for years.

ate mel estonilo's email is the reason why i nearly broke down on air. it was a good thing i had the best buddies with me around.

ah, yes - mo (twister), grace (lee) and my son, miguel. and andi 9 who made the surprise call. mojo, though he was not able to make it in the studio, kept on sending me messages.

a part of ate mel's email reads: